Dickey Betts Gone

[Bob H.]

Sad news for the music world

 

[S. Weiger]

RIP you wonderful guitarman.

 

[MarcB]

Godspeed Sir and thank you for the music x

 

[Ricky_Rockhardo]

RIP, Mr. Betts. He had the fire in his belly and will always be remembered for his contributions to music.

 

[jb_abides]

Thanks and Godspeed, Brother. RIP.

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Betts family announce the peaceful passing of Forrest Richard 'Dickey' Betts (December 12, 1943 - April 18, 2024) at the age of 80 years old. The legendary performer, songwriter, bandleader and family patriarch passed away earlier today at his home in Osprey, FL., surrounded by his family. Dickey was larger than life, and his loss will be felt world-wide. At this difficult time, the family asks for prayers and respect for their privacy in the coming days. More information will be forthcoming at the appropriate time.

 

[J.D.]

Very sad to hear. Dickey sure composed and performed some incredible music. We've lost another great one. RIP.

 

[Greywolf]

RIP .. man this sucks

 

[gmann]

As good as it got!
RIP Dickie Betts

 

[JP'59]

.

 

[Bob H.]

I first saw the ABB at the Fillmore East in March ‘71 when they were recording the live album there. They opened for Johnny Winter. I wasn’t ready for how great a rock band could sound. DA and Betts’ guitar interplay was stunning. Two nights later Winter opened for the Bros. He knew too.

 

[Dave P]

 

[Bob Womack]

I learned everything I knew about proper backline from this picture:

I'm just glad that Dickie and Gregg reconciled. RIP

Bob

 

[MrNubs]

 

[Jeff West]

Ah, RIP.
I was fortunate to see him play several times, including with ABB (post Duane). The time that burns brightest in memory was at a smallish bar in the warehouse district of New Orleans, I think it was still called Chevys then, and at one point had lasers! This was late ‘85 or maybe early 1986. He came out on the small and low stage absolutely blazing from the first note, starting with Freddie King instrumentals. Played fantastically, right in your face! Looked like he was having a great time, as did the crowd. He was playing a vintage gold top with bigsby and HBs through vintage Marshall half stack, even in that small room. One detail I remember was that the Bigsby had individual rollers on the front bar for each string that went under, does that help identify a specific goldtop he had? Anyway, sounded magnificent!

 

[stevechilders]

His Tone…

 

[goldtop0]

First time I pricked up my ears to southern rock was because of his playing.
Rest in peace Dickie, God bless.

 

[Cliff Gress]

RIP

 

[Any Name You Wish]

Man what a great, great player. I am so happy to have his music in my life. Thank you Dickie.

 

[LeonC]

Sad news. He was hugely influential for me, early in my guitar-playing.

 

[brandtkronholm]

RIP
He is now with Elizabeth Reed.